The Prodigal Son, c. 1720–30
Pier Leone Ghezziexpand_more
Oil on canvasexpand_more
The Putnam Dana McMillan Fundexpand_more 71.23
On View in Gallery 308expand_more
As painter at the papal court, Ghezzi specialized in religious themes, decorative frescoes, landscapes, and theatrical displays. His talents in all these genres are on view in this painting of the New Testament parable of the prodigal son. The celebration of the errant son’s return home has begun. Instead of dwelling on the story’s moral of repentance and forgiveness, Ghezzi has created a festive genre scene, combining rich colors, warm tonalities, and theatrical lighting with the airy, fresh colors of the landscape and the musicians.
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Details
- Title
- The Prodigal Son
- Artist Life
- (Rome), 1674–1755
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 71.23
- Curator Approved
This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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